QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER

Gerdau

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for the leadership and direction of employees involved in quality assurance, laboratory analysis, physical testing, customer technical service, product development and end-application for the Steel Mill Division. At the mills discretion, may also lead and direct scheduling and billet handling functions. The Quality Assurance Manager is primarily responsible for insuring production adherence to customer’s’ specifications and/or accepted standards. As needed, the incumbent will assist the corporate sales group with product applications and recommendations and will handle all product quality issues for the assigned Steel mill. The incumbent is also responsible for insuring the mill’s continuing compliance with the Gerdau Business System (GBS). The incumbent should have in-depth knowledge of testing techniques and analytical procedures related to product quality, metallurgical requirements and standards for steel products. The incumbent should be familiar with chemical, mechanical and metallurgical analysis and respective testing equipment. Must have demonstrated understanding of quality control and process control techniques, as well as investigation process and reporting. Will be responsible for procedures and practices related to computer systems including local MES (Manufacturing Execution System), SAP and location-specific applications. The incumbent is responsible for determining personnel needs, selecting applicants, and training new employees and follow-up of work performed. This position has full accountability of all aspects of People Management with subordinates. This position will also coach and mentor personnel on product quality, operational effectiveness and career development. The incumbent will participate on special projects or conduct other duties as assigned. Will be responsible for staying abreast of current technology to recommend changes to effect continual quality and process improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in metallurgy or materials science.
Minimum of 7 years of related steel mill experience.
Knowledge in the product application area.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated understanding of quality control and process control techniques.
Demonstrated understanding of investigation process and reporting.
Familiarity with chemical, mechanical and metallurgical analysis and respective testing equipment.
In-depth knowledge of testing techniques and analytical procedures related to product quality, metallurgical requirements and standards for steel products.
Responsibility for procedures and practices related to computer systems including local MES (Manufacturing Execution System), SAP and location-specific applications.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success with supervision and people development.

Responsibilities

Leadership and direction of employees involved in quality assurance, laboratory analysis, physical testing, customer technical service, product development and end-application.
Ensuring production adherence to customer’s specifications and/or accepted standards.
Assisting the corporate sales group with product applications and recommendations.
Handling all product quality issues for the assigned Steel mill.
Ensuring the mill’s continuing compliance with the Gerdau Business System (GBS).
Chemical analysis and mechanical testing of each batch for adherence to company and customer standards.
Investigating any discrepancies in the quality of product.
Meeting with customers to discuss product adherence to specifications and application and support of quality functions.
Developing and presenting effective recommendations to operating departments on metallurgical issues.
Establishing standard practices and procedures in conjunction with the Melt Shop and Rolling Mill leadership.
Approving process changes.
Working closely with Operations in resolving quality issues and in developing new products without compromising quality or safety.
Managing interdisciplinary teams and having accountability for the interests of all parties in creating and modifying work procedures and equipment.
Acting as a liaison with customers, quality inspection firms and external agencies to insure Gerdau is in compliance with all quality requirements.
Visiting job sites or independent testing facilities to insure compliance.
Investigating quality failures, determining root causes, and recommending corrective actions.
Calling on customers with sales personnel to resolve customer complaints or determine the feasibility of making new products.
Assisting other Gerdau locations in resolving quality issues (investigation and recommendation).
Sharing best practices through participation in the Knowledge Management (KM) system and attendance at corporate quality meetings.
Participating in on-going corporate quality projects.
Recommending disposition of batches not meeting specifications.
Responsible for maintenance as needed on Laboratory and other test equipment.
Responsible for content of certified mill test reports for customer(s).
Informing the VP & General Manager of any deviations in the products.
Determining personnel needs, selecting applicants, and training new employees and follow-up of work performed.
Coaching and mentoring personnel on product quality, operational effectiveness and career development.
Participating on special projects or conducting other duties as assigned.
Staying abreast of current technology to recommend changes to effect continual quality and process improvement.